Travel to South Korea from Malaysia

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2024-09-24
Travel to South Korea from Malaysia

Dreaming of a trip to South Korea? Look no further, Malaysian travellers! This dynamic country offers something for everyone.

Whether you want to hike the scenic trails of Seoraksan National Park with stunning views, or wander the historical grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will be amazed at the breathtaking natural beauty that South Korea has to offer.

Foodies will rejoice with mouthwatering street food like tteokbokki and hotteok along Myeongdong, or trendy cafes in Gangnam, while shopaholics can find everything from vintage treasures to the latest fashion.

K-Pop fans can travel all the way to South Korea to meet your oppa or eonni at the iconic K-Star Road, visit agency headquarters, or catch a live show.

So, experience the magic of K-Pop, delve into rich history, and create unforgettable memories in South Korea, your next unforgettable travel destination!



Updated South Korea travel requirements for Malaysians (2024)

About to embark on your South Korea trip? Here’s a quick breakdown on Korea entry requirements:

  • - If you’re a Malaysian traveller aged 17 and under, you just need a valid passport — no K-ETA required

  • - For Malaysians aged 18 to 64, you’ll need both a valid passport and a K-ETA

  • - Malaysians aged 65 and over only need a valid passport, with no K-ETA required

 



How can you apply for K-ETA?

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) is used in place of a full visa, and only offered to citizens of eligible countries. It is typically valid for three years and lets you stay in Korea for up to three months per visit. It's a multi-entry pass, so you can take multiple trips as long as your passport is valid, and your personal details don’t change. Read more about eligibility details and rules here.

To apply for your K-ETA online, you’ll need:

  • - Your valid passport

  • - Your email address

  • - A passport-style photo (your face from forehead to chin should be visible in the photo)

There’s a 10,000 KRW (about RM35). You can pay this with a credit or debit card when you submit your application. Most applications are processed within 72 hours, but it’s best to apply a month ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly

 



Do you need travel insurance?

While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for trips to South Korea, it’s highly encouraged, and here’s why. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected hiccups. Imagine if you fall sick or have an accident while exploring Seoul’s vibrant streets or hiking in Jeju — medical bills can add up quickly. Travel insurance covers these costs, so you’re not left with a hefty bill. It also comes in handy if your trip gets interrupted due to unforeseen events, like flight cancellations or lost luggage. Check out how SafeTrip on TNG eWallet protects yourself (and your trip!) here.

 



How to pay in South Korea?

In South Korea, digital wallets are the most popular payment method, followed closely by credit and debit cards and online banking.

 

Digital wallets

  • KakaoPay, linked with KakaoTalk, is widely used for online and offline payments

  • Samsung Pay is accepted at most places that accept credit cards

  • Naver Pay and Toss are popular for online shopping and services

  • Payco is used for online and offline purchases

 

Credit and debit cards

  • Credit cards are accepted at most tourist establishments, but always check with your card provider whether it is accepted at your destination.

 

Bank transfer or ATMs

  • With their availability and accessibility, ATMs are one of the most common ways to obtain your funds. You can find them at most locations, including convenience stores, hotels, post offices, and railway stations. ATMs often accept foreign credit cards too.

 

Cash

  • Cash is still widely accepted, especially at smaller shops and traditional markets.

 



TNG eWallet offers two convenient ways for Malaysians to pay in South Korea:

With TNG eWallet, you can pay in South Korea like a pro — easily and securely!

 

Overseas QR Payment with AliPay+ and ZeroPay

  • You scan the merchant’s QR code: Use your TNG eWallet to scan the above QR codes displayed at participating merchants throughout South Korea.

  • Merchants scan your QR code: Some shops may also scan the QR code on your TNG eWallet app for a quick and contactless transaction.

 

Touch 'n Go eWallet Visa Card

  • Your card will come in handy for situations where QR payments are not accepted.

  • If you’re in need of quick cash, you can also withdraw your money using the Touch 'n Go eWallet Visa Card.

  • Best of all, you get to enjoy competitive exchange rates with zero foreign transaction fees on your Visa card purchase

 

Where can I use TNG eWallet in South Korea?

The overseas QR payment is widely accepted in over 1.7 million merchants in South Korea, including popular brands like:

Oliveyoung

Oliveyoung

Lotte Duty Free

Lotte Duty Free

The Shilla Duty Free Shop

The Shilla Duty Free Shop

CU

CU

Shinsegae Duty Free

Shinsegae Duty Free

The Touch 'n Go eWallet Visa Card functions wherever Visa payments are accepted at larger establishments.

Enjoy a seamless and cost-effective payment experience in South Korea with TNG eWallet!

 


Travel tips for Malaysians travelling to South Korea

Follow the following travel tips, and you’re all set for an epic South Korean adventure.

Travel during shoulder seasons

  • - Go in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). The weather’s perfect, and you won’t have to deal with huge tourist crowds or crazy prices.

Snag discounts and deals

  • - Look out for travel deals and discounts with your Touch 'n Go eWallet Visa Card. You can score great deals on Agoda, Trip.com, Booking.com, and more. Saving money = more money for food and shopping!

Learn basic Korean phrases

  • - A little goes a long way! Try “hello” (안녕하세요, annyeonghaseyo), “thank you” (감사합니다, kamsahamnida), and how much?” (얼마에요, eolmaeyo). Locals will love your effort!

Try local food

  • - Don’t miss out on Korean cuisines! From street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to traditional dishes like bibimbap (mixed rice), there’s so much to explore and so much yummy stuff to try.

With these tips in mind, you’re all set for an amazing journey. Enjoy every moment of your South Korean adventure!



What apps to download before travelling to Korea

Getting excited for your South Korea trip? We feel you! Here are some must-have apps to download so you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic trip:

  • Naver Map: Forget Google Maps! For accurate navigation, Naver Map is your best bet. It’s great for getting around, with detailed maps, public transport information, and walking directions.

  • Kakao Map: Other than Naver Map, KakaoMap also offers precise directions, public transportation routes, and even reviews of nearby places. It’s especially helpful for finding your way around cities.

  • Subway Korea: This app is a lifesaver for navigating the extensive subway systems in cities like Seoul and Busan. It’s easy to use and provides real-time updates on train schedules and routes.

  • KakaoTaxi: Need a ride? KakaoTaxi makes it easy to hail a cab without any language barriers. It’s as straightforward as using Grab or Uber.

  • Papago: This translation app by Naver is fantastic for for translating text, voice, and images between Korean and several other languages, helping you communicate effortlessly.

  • Visit Korea: This app is perfect for tourists, of